Mon May 19 07:21:35 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Over 100 people have been booked by police in Thane, Maharashtra, for participating in unauthorized human chain protests on May 16, 2025. The protests, held in Mumbra despite prohibitory orders, were organized to oppose an externment order issued against a local journalist. Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) and identified three individuals involved, citing violations of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Maharashtra Police Act. Authorities claim the protests disrupted traffic and threatened communal harmony.

**News Article:**

**Over 100 Booked for Unauthorized Protests in Thane, Maharashtra**

**Thane, Maharashtra – May 19, 2025** – Police in Thane have registered a case against more than 100 individuals who participated in unauthorized human chain protests held on May 16, 2025, in the Mumbra area. The protests, staged at six different locations, took place despite existing prohibitory orders imposed under the Maharashtra Police Act.

According to police officials, the demonstration was organized to protest an externment order issued against a local journalist. The organizers reportedly proceeded without obtaining the necessary permissions, leading to the disruption of traffic and potential threats to communal harmony.

“No permission was granted for this protest. The organizers went ahead, potentially disturbing communal harmony and law and order,” stated an official.

An FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Maharashtra Police Act. Police have identified three individuals involved in organizing the protests and are currently investigating the matter further. The authorities maintain that the demonstrations violated lawful prohibitory orders and disrupted public order.

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